Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionGilgal holds a significant place in biblical history as a site of religious and cultural importance for the Israelites. It is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, serving as a location for pivotal events, including the construction of an altar and the offering of sacrifices. This entry explores the biblical references to Gilgal, focusing on its role as a place of worship and covenant renewal. Biblical References 1. Joshua's Leadership and the Altar at Gilgal Gilgal first emerges prominently in the Book of Joshua. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua set up an altar at Gilgal using twelve stones taken from the riverbed. This act was a memorial to the miraculous crossing and a testament to God's faithfulness. Joshua 4:20-24 states, "And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your descendants ask their fathers, "What do these stones mean?" you are to tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.'" 2. Renewal of the Covenant Gilgal was also the site where the Israelites renewed their covenant with God. After the conquest of Jericho, Joshua led the people in a ceremony of circumcision at Gilgal, as recorded in Joshua 5:2-9. This act symbolized the renewal of the covenant and the Israelites' commitment to God. The place was named Gilgal, meaning "rolling," because the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9). 3. Sacrifices and Worship Gilgal served as a center for worship and sacrifice during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy. It was here that Samuel offered sacrifices and judged Israel. In 1 Samuel 10:8 , Samuel instructs Saul, "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. But you must wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do." 4. Saul's Disobedience The significance of Gilgal is further highlighted in the narrative of King Saul's disobedience. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul, anxious about the impending Philistine threat and Samuel's delayed arrival, offered a burnt sacrifice at Gilgal himself, violating the command to wait for the prophet. This act of impatience and disobedience led to Samuel's rebuke and the eventual rejection of Saul's dynasty (1 Samuel 13:13-14). 5. Prophetic Critique The prophets also referenced Gilgal in their critiques of Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea and Amos both mention Gilgal as a place where the Israelites engaged in idolatrous practices, despite its historical significance. Hosea 9:15 declares, "All their wickedness is at Gilgal, for there I began to hate them. I will drive them out of My house because of their wickedness. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious." Cultural and Theological Significance Gilgal's role as a site of altar-building and sacrifice underscores its importance in Israel's religious life. It was a place where the Israelites experienced God's deliverance, renewed their covenant, and engaged in worship. However, it also became a symbol of Israel's failure to remain faithful to God, as seen in the prophetic critiques. Gilgal serves as a reminder of the need for obedience and the consequences of straying from God's commands. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 11:15And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 13:4-15 1 Samuel 15:6-23 Library Samuel, the Child of Prayer How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The First Kings. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Book 5 Footnotes Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Ebal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gilgal: A Judgment Seat, where Israel, in That District, Came to be Judged by Samuel Gilgal: A Royal City in Canaan: Conquered by Joshua Gilgal: Agag, King of the Amalekites, Slain At, by Samuel Gilgal: An Altar Built At, and Sacrifice offered Gilgal: Eglon, King of Moab, Resides and is Slain At Gilgal: Manna Ceased At, After the Passover Gilgal: Place of the First Encampment of the Israelites West of the Jordan River Gilgal: Place of the First Encampment of the Israelites West of the Jordan River: Passover Kept At Gilgal: Place of the First Encampment of the Israelites West of the Jordan River: Quarries At Gilgal: Saul Proclaimed King Over all Israel At Gilgal: Tribe of Judah Assembles At Monument Erected In, to Commemorate the Passage Across the Jordan River by the People of Israel Related Terms Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) |
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